Policies

Effective Date Mar 1, 2017

Policy Title

Ethics Policy

Policy Owner: Human Resources

Policy Purpose

The success of our university is dependent on the trust and confidence we earn from our employees, students and shareholders. We gain credibility by adhering to our commitments, displaying honesty and integrity and reaching institutional goals solely through honorable conduct.

Policy Scope

Florida Institute of Technology has developed a Code of Ethics to promote and maintain the highest standards of honesty, integrity, and professionalism among faculty, staff, and students.

Policy Statement

We act with integrity; we treat others with respect and dignity; we carefully steward the university's resources; we avoid conflicts of interest or commitment; we maintain confidentiality; and we comply with legal and professional obligations. We are individually accountable for our own actions, and we are collectively accountable for upholding these standards of behavior and complying with all applicable laws, policies, standards, and regulations. These standards establish a baseline for aspirational goals for ethical behavior that may require a conscientious effort to attain.

The following statements have been selected for all employees to use as a guide for choosing ethical courses of action:

1. Support a culture of openness, trust and integrity in all we do.
2. Demonstrate respect for the rights of others and accept accountability for his or her actions.
3. Foster a work environment free of harassment, intimidation, and unlawful discrimination.
4. Assure an environment of inclusiveness and commitment to diversity.
5. Encourage social responsibility.
6. Contribute to the body of knowledge and the growth of individuals through the training, research, and the dissemination of knowledge.
7. Maintain a productive work attitude which will include cooperating with colleagues, self-control, and recognition of new tasks and supervisory direction.
8. Circumvent any and all wrongful behavior including, but not limited to cheating, stealing, and lying.
9. Accept responsibility for preventing, detecting, and reporting all manner of fraud.
10. Protect and ensure the proper use of university assets.
11. Transact university business in compliance with all laws, regulations and university policies.
12. Maintain the confidentiality of information entrusted by the university, students, and the public to comply with the requirements of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). Confidential information should be shared only on a need-to-know basis or when disclosure is authorized or legally mandated.
13. Every member of the university is expected to comply with the terms and conditions of each university grant and contract on which he or she is working.
14. Abide by university policies and procedures and disclose any conflicts of interest and take steps to mitigate or eliminate any that compromise personal integrity or that of the university, in accordance with applicable law and university policies. Employees are expected to consider and avoid, not only an actual conflict, but also the appearance of a conflict of interest. 
15. Create and maintain records and documentation which fully conform to all applicable laws as well as professional and ethical standards.
16. Comply with all laws and regulations which govern occupational health and safety and to make every reasonable effort to ensure that students, faculty, employees, and visitors are protected from undue health risks and unsafe conditions. 
17. Actions involving theft, fraud, embezzlement, kickbacks, misappropriation of funds or assets, falsification of records, conflicts of interest, breach of confidentiality and other improprieties are in direct violation of this policy.

Procedures/Guidelines

The following steps outline the procedure for reporting suspected violations:

Immediate Supervisor: Employees should report suspected violations of this policy, to include violations of applicable laws, regulations, government contract and grant requirements. This reporting should initially be made through standard management channels, beginning with the immediate supervisor.

Human Resources: If for any reason it is not appropriate to report suspected violations to the immediate supervisor, individuals may go to a higher level of management within their school or department or contact the Vice President of Human Resources (321) 674-8100.

Website Hotline: An employee may also report a suspected violation through our anonymous reporting option online.

Any violations of this policy are subject to disciplinary action ranging from a reprimand to dismissal. Criminal prosecution is also possible in appropriate circumstances. Managers and supervisors are responsible for implementing and monitoring compliance with this policy in their areas.

All employees are expected to cooperate fully in the investigation of any misconduct.

Definitions

Not Applicable

Compliance Reference

Not Applicable

Enforcement

No Retaliation

Employees will not be subject to disciplinary or retaliatory action for reporting a violation or potential violation of this policy. However, knowingly filing a false, malicious report will not be tolerated and anyone filing such report will be subject to appropriate disciplinary action.